Redevelopment of Nene Park could see county's FA move to Higham Ferrers

Approval for plans to demolish and redevelop the Nene Park stadium could allow the county's FA to move to a new site.

An outline planning application for demolition of the stadium where Rushden and Diamonds FC used to play and its associated infrastructure as well as the erection of a new retail and leisure development is likely to be considered by East Northants Council’s planning management committee later this month.

If the plans are approved, there will be money for Northamptonshire FA as part of the Section 106 planning agreement to put towards replacement pitches.

A spokesman for East Northants Council said: “Subject to planning permission being granted, the Section 106 agreement will include a requirement already agreed by the applicant, to put £200,000 towards replacement pitches at a site near Moulton College in Higham Ferrers.

The stadium could be demolished in the development plans are approved

“The land is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster and they have agreed Heads of Terms with Northants FA for a new football development centre on the site.”

The Northants Telegraph spoke to Bob Cotter, chairman of the Northamptonshire FA, and he said they could be re-locating from Northampton to Higham Ferrers if the plans are approved.

Mr Cotter said: “What Northamptonshire FA is doing is we are going to establish a football development centre.